Scottsdale Primary School Headlice Policy

Scottsdale Primary SchoolDepartment of Education

School Headlice Policy 2016PurposeThis policy gives direction for the management of head lice infestation within school communities. It has been developed by DoE and DHHS and is supported by the School and School Association.

Although the head louse (Pediculosis capititis) can cause significant irritation, it has not been known to transmit disease. Head lice have been common in the community throughout history and will spread anywhere that a number of people work, play or live together. School communities, by their nature, are therefore vulnerable to infestations

DetectionParents have prime responsibility to check their children for head lice on a regular basis.

TreatmentParents have responsibility for the purchase and application of treatment.Detailed information about appropriate treatment of lice and nits (eggs) will be supplied by the School Office. The information will include the current recommended treatment/s.

Return to schoolStudents may return to school following one application of a recommended product.

RolesParentParents have prime responsibility for the detection and treatment of head lice. The removal of eggs in the hair is essential. Parents have a responsibility to seek education and support when required. Parents must notify the school when head lice (or nits) have been detected so the school can request that other parents check their children.  

School StaffSchool staff do not need to be involved in checking heads of children for head lice. When notified that a child has head lice (or nits), the school staff is responsible for sending relevant information to the parent of that child and as well to the parents of the children who are likely to be contacts so they can be checked by their parents.If school staff by chance see head lice (or nits) in a child’s hair, the parents will be notified as soon as possible. If school staff suspect a child may have head lice, the school office will be informed and the parent be requested to check the child as soon as possible and treat any head lice present. Information/Education

1. It will be the responsibility of the DoE to provide education programs and material for the school and the community. Schools are responsible for duplication of materials when necessary and for distribution.

September 2013 Reviewed 2016 Next review 2018

2. Information regarding this policy will be conveyed to service providers, e.g. General Practitioners, hairdressers, pharmacists.

Scottsdale Primary School41 Mary Street Scottsdale Tasmania 7260PO Box 189 Scottsdale Tasmania 7260Phone: (03) 63 520 200 Email scottsdale.primary@education.tas.gov.au

Dear Parents / Carers

Head lice have been found amongst children in the class today. It is extremely important that you check your child’s hair today. This check needs to be thorough. A thorough check involves going through your child’s hair – a very small section at a time (a few strands of hair) and preferably under a strong lamp.If you find head lice or eggs (nits) in your child’s hair – advice is provided on the reverse of this sheet with regard to treatment. Treatments can be purchased from Chemists. Again treatment needs to be thorough and checks (for either lice or eggs) need to be ongoing. We recognise that this may not be comfortable for the child – but it is effective in ensuring that ALL lice and eggs are removed and re-infestations do not occur:

Apply the treatment and check that all eggs and lice are removed Check again the next day Check every second day for one week Check twice a week for 2 weeks Check once a week for two months

If your child has head lice or nits, under Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services joint policy, your child is required to be away from school until they have been treated and eggs have been removed.You should only use treatments if your child has head lice or eggs.The Parents and Friends have provided the school with two Robi-Combs that are available for hire. If you would like to try this method please contact the School Office.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Yours sincerely

Dawn McCauleyPrincipal

September 2013 Reviewed 2016 Next review 2018

September 2013 Reviewed 2016 Next review 2018

Ratified by School Association:Review Date:

September 2013 Reviewed 2016 Next review 2018

Authorised by:Position of authorising person:Date authorised:Developed by:Date of last review:Date of next review:This document replaces: